ABOUT THIS ITEM

Although the Specials were widely influential, they were not the most prolific band to walk the punk/ska boards, so fans have to content themselves with collections like this. Fortunately, this compilation stands out for featuring not just their "hits" ("A Message to You Rudy", "Ghost Town", "Do Nothing", "Nite Klub" etc), but also b-sides, live tracks, and rarities. Of particular note is the inclusion of the powerful and dance-worthy anthem, "Free Nelson Mandela", recorded under the name the Special A.K.A. after the official demise of the Specials. The song, written by Jerry Dammers and the Bodysnatchers' Rhoda Dakar, was the musical culmination of the anti-racist, anti-apartheid sentiments that were coming to a boil in the mid-80s UK punk scene, and found original purchase in the 2 Tone movement that the Specials came to define.